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The 2nd Freak House Trilogy #2
Seared With Scars
With the Master's spirit still haunting London, Charity must remain at Freak House. But the peace is shattered when Samuel's father is brutally slain by a demon on the estate. Who summoned it and why?
As some questions are answered, yet more secrets about Samuel emerge that send him hurtling toward madness. Secrets that terrify Charity and draw her inevitably closer to him. As the lies are peeled back to reveal the truth, will she be able to conquer her fears and give Samuel what he craves?
SEARED WITH SCARS is the 2nd book in the 2nd Freak House Trilogy. The 1st book, THE MEMORY KEEPER, is also available. Here's what readers are saying about THE MEMORY KEEPER:
"I was entirely entertained by the way the characters interacted and with the developing situations. I am eager for the next book to be released...I crave more!!!" ~Donna Fredricks
"I can't wait for her to come out with the rest of the series. I love reading C.J. Archer books!" ~Bruce Family of 7
As some questions are answered, yet more secrets about Samuel emerge that send him hurtling toward madness. Secrets that terrify Charity and draw her inevitably closer to him. As the lies are peeled back to reveal the truth, will she be able to conquer her fears and give Samuel what he craves?
SEARED WITH SCARS is the 2nd book in the 2nd Freak House Trilogy. The 1st book, THE MEMORY KEEPER, is also available. Here's what readers are saying about THE MEMORY KEEPER:
"I was entirely entertained by the way the characters interacted and with the developing situations. I am eager for the next book to be released...I crave more!!!" ~Donna Fredricks
"I can't wait for her to come out with the rest of the series. I love reading C.J. Archer books!" ~Bruce Family of 7
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2014
230 people are currently reading
521 people want to read
About the author
C.J. Archer
96 books5,640 followersC.J. Archer is the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of historical mystery and historical fantasy novels including the GLASS AND STEELE series, the CLEOPATRA FOX MYSTERIES, the MINISTRY OF CURIOSITIES and THE GLASS LIBRARY series.
She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
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She has loved history and books for as long as she can remember and feels fortunate that she found a way to combine the two. She has at various times worked as a librarian, IT support person and technical writer but in her heart has always been a fiction writer. She lives in Melbourne, Australia, with her husband, 2 children and Coco the black and white cat.
Subscribe to C.J.'s newsletter to be notified when she releases a new book. Join via her website: www.cjarcher.com
You can follow her on social media to get the latest updates on her books:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJArcherAuthorPage
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authorcjarc...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
November 23, 2023
4.5 stars
Yeah I’m hooked.
Seared with Scars is Book 2 in the 2nd Freak House Trilogy.
Paranormal Historical Romance
Victorian England
I hope the heroine can sort herself out in the next book as she is starting to drive me up the wall with her thoughts towards Samuel: I like him, I don’t like him, I like him, I’m scared of him, I like him, I don’t trust him……. Annoyinggg. Other than that it’s a splendid, grippy read and I can’t wait to return to their world in the next book and please Charity, say yes to Samuel.
Yeah I’m hooked.
Seared with Scars is Book 2 in the 2nd Freak House Trilogy.
Paranormal Historical Romance
Victorian England
I hope the heroine can sort herself out in the next book as she is starting to drive me up the wall with her thoughts towards Samuel: I like him, I don’t like him, I like him, I’m scared of him, I like him, I don’t trust him……. Annoyinggg. Other than that it’s a splendid, grippy read and I can’t wait to return to their world in the next book and please Charity, say yes to Samuel.
September 1, 2024
Audio book-
Narrator: 1.5 (narrator from 1st trilogy series more able to represent the many characters... kept me wanting to listen "just a little more")
Storyline: 3.5
Narrator: 1.5 (narrator from 1st trilogy series more able to represent the many characters... kept me wanting to listen "just a little more")
Storyline: 3.5
December 1, 2017
So far this series has had amazing endings. I have to keep reading!
November 9, 2020
I think I'm actually beginning to slightly dislike this particular series from Archer. I just don't particularly like either of the two main heroes, and honestly, I don't even understand why Charity even wants to be with him when she's afraid of him. Not sure how could anyone think that this is a good romance. The story overall also doesn't interest me much.
August 14, 2017
Long drawn out
I almost gave up on this book a few times as it was slow moving. The relationship between Charity and Samuel is too drawn out and she is much too whiny to be likeable anymore. I don't know if I will go on to book three.
I almost gave up on this book a few times as it was slow moving. The relationship between Charity and Samuel is too drawn out and she is much too whiny to be likeable anymore. I don't know if I will go on to book three.
November 9, 2021
Well I found I did not like Charity in this book. I really hate when people think they aren't good enough for someone even though they have feelings. So annoying. Hopefully this all gets sorted out in the 3rd book.
April 25, 2019
The writing is good but the story didn't grab me like the first 3
March 31, 2019
Not my favorite but an okay read
After reading this installation of the Freak House series, I do not particularly care for Miss Charity Evans. Granted, she has been through alot but she plays the victim too much for my tastes. She did show her brave side but is just too caught up in her head. I do give her credit for sticking to her more feminist ideology, but the poor me thing is way old. It is also hard to see Samuel in such a dark place and he either has to come through it in future episodes or die trying. I hope he comes through and Charity gets over herself. Like past books by this author, historical relevance is interwoven nicely into the storyline, and the paranormal and suspense take center stage, albeit a little more subtlety as this book focuses on revealing more about the character's past.
After reading this installation of the Freak House series, I do not particularly care for Miss Charity Evans. Granted, she has been through alot but she plays the victim too much for my tastes. She did show her brave side but is just too caught up in her head. I do give her credit for sticking to her more feminist ideology, but the poor me thing is way old. It is also hard to see Samuel in such a dark place and he either has to come through it in future episodes or die trying. I hope he comes through and Charity gets over herself. Like past books by this author, historical relevance is interwoven nicely into the storyline, and the paranormal and suspense take center stage, albeit a little more subtlety as this book focuses on revealing more about the character's past.
May 10, 2025
4 out of 5 stars – Loved the Story, but Charity’s Character Took a Step Back
I really enjoyed Seared by Scars. The plot was engaging, the pacing kept me turning pages, and CJ Archer continues to build a rich, mysterious world that I love escaping into. The chemistry and tension between Charity and Samuel are still strong, and I’m really hoping they manage to work through their communication issues—because when they connect, it’s compelling.
That said, I was a bit disappointed in Charity’s development. She had been growing into a strong, capable character in the previous book, but in this one, she felt a little too whiny and started leaning into the damsel-in-distress role. I missed the assertiveness and grit she’d been building up.
Despite that, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next in the series. Just hoping Charity gets her spark back!
I really enjoyed Seared by Scars. The plot was engaging, the pacing kept me turning pages, and CJ Archer continues to build a rich, mysterious world that I love escaping into. The chemistry and tension between Charity and Samuel are still strong, and I’m really hoping they manage to work through their communication issues—because when they connect, it’s compelling.
That said, I was a bit disappointed in Charity’s development. She had been growing into a strong, capable character in the previous book, but in this one, she felt a little too whiny and started leaning into the damsel-in-distress role. I missed the assertiveness and grit she’d been building up.
Despite that, I still thoroughly enjoyed the book and am looking forward to the next in the series. Just hoping Charity gets her spark back!
October 23, 2019
Things heat up for Charity in this second installment. There's demons and possession and ghosts and all manner of ugly things to combat, including at times the entire Gladstone family. I enjoyed the ending in particular because it got at the crux of the matter between Samuel and Charity: the impossibility of their relationship due to Samuel's hypnotism and Charity's past horrors with powerful men. The author loves creating an impossible romance and I love discovering how the impossible becomes possible with enough determination from the characters. It's such a fun story!
July 2, 2020
The death of Samuel's father, killed by another demon on the grounds of Frakingham house, spells the beginning of another supernatural mystery. Charity and Samuel must figure out who summoned the demon and why. In this chapter of the story we see Samuel slipping closer to despair and Charity attempting to recover her courage. The mystery of what happened to Samuel's father is interesting as is the interaction between the characters. You should read this.
December 14, 2021
So many secrets and lies going on in these books. I keep going back and forth on who to trust. I like Charity a little more, though I wish she would be more proactive. Things kind of just happen to her, whereas I feel like with most Archer leading ladies, they area actively doing things. I do like her and Samuel more in this one, but I don't really understand why he loves her so much. Every conversation they have is about how much he wants to be with her. They have no real connection.
March 26, 2025
I like most Cj Archer books and Samuel is an intriguing character, but this audio book kinda sucked. Why make Charity such a short sighted, messed up, main character that can’t learn and grow unless she has memories removed? If she is scared of love and men (even someone as sweet and affable as Samuel) what’s the draw of this story? Plus I couldn’t get past the horrible character voices of the orator.
March 13, 2019
I like all of C. J. Archer's books that I've read. They are entertaining, quick reads. No, the characters (women especially) do not act like typical Victorians. However, magic wasn't really around then either, so I think a little artistic license should be allowed.
July 9, 2019
The dynamic between Charity and Samuel as they both try to handle their own baggage and wonder if they can move forward makes for some very interesting tension and conflict. Reasonable questions are raised. Charity isn't an idiot. Samuel isn't cavalier. They both have to work on coming to terms with who they are, what they've done, and what it means for other people in their life.
January 26, 2022
another great book CJ
What a lot of twists and turns. Just when you think you know what’s happening and why there is another twist. I can tell you how many times that happened to me. I found myself waiting for Charity to love Samuel
What a lot of twists and turns. Just when you think you know what’s happening and why there is another twist. I can tell you how many times that happened to me. I found myself waiting for Charity to love Samuel
January 16, 2023
I love reading these books, they really keep you wanting to read more and more. They are exciting and very well written. As I finish one I have to start the next. At the moment I have 3 1/2. books left in this series, I just hope I can find more of
CJ Archer’s books that I haven’t read.
CJ Archer’s books that I haven’t read.
December 7, 2024
Good book as the series carries on. I am getting a little tired of charity, refusing Samuel and carry it on about her status in comparison to him. Upper ML class never did unite back then, but unless somebody has strength to face societies scorn.
July 26, 2017
Friends
Charity has a few issues that she needs to work out with the help of
Samuel, Tommy and a few others she gets some clarification. This is a great read. Enjoy
Charity has a few issues that she needs to work out with the help of
Samuel, Tommy and a few others she gets some clarification. This is a great read. Enjoy
June 11, 2019
I understand why things are going the way they are but I'm still frustrated. I was surprised with how things ended up happening.
October 3, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. If you are looking for a ya safe supernatural read, then you will enjoy delving into the world of The Freak House. I'm looking forward to reading the next book.
July 31, 2021
Another good book by CJ Archer. Looking forward to reading the final instalment now.
May 11, 2022
Darker than the first book but still a good story.
April 4, 2024
*** 231 pages
January 8, 2025
Frustration .... piled on Frustration
I hate being subject to frustration no matter how artfully constructed, so ... I docked a star
I hate being subject to frustration no matter how artfully constructed, so ... I docked a star
March 31, 2025
Loved this series. Great book with gripping story and plot lines.
November 26, 2014
I read the first book of this trilogy for free and was so caught up in the world of Charity Evans that I purchased the rest of C J Archer's Freak House series. Following on from the end of 'The Memory Keeper', Seared by Scars begins with Charity Evans declining the proposal of marriage from Samuel Gladstone and falling foul of his extremely 'proper' family. This is where the trilogy really shines. Historically the UK was extremely classist. It would have been unheard of for a man from an upper class family to marry a former street urchin turned prostitute and have it be okay.
The main character is refreshing in that she is a woman of her time. She wants her own power on her terms and knows that there are few routes to that power. She knows that marrying Samuel Gladstone is not done or wise and that it will harm them both. In addition Charity cannot fully trust Samuel and his hypnosis, particularly when rumours of his past reach her. This distrust is well written and true to life. Alongside these issues, Samuel's father is killed by a demon which proceeds to stalk Frakingham Hall.
I enjoyed Seared by Scars, it was a worthy follow on to 'Memory Keeper' and well written. My only concerns were niggling. Sometimes the characters seemed to be worrying about trivial matters whilst letting a demon roam free. I also wonder if the obvious answer to the question about Samuel is ever going to be forthcoming. Very enjoyable and I will be reading part three before finally starting the first Freak House trilogy.
****
The main character is refreshing in that she is a woman of her time. She wants her own power on her terms and knows that there are few routes to that power. She knows that marrying Samuel Gladstone is not done or wise and that it will harm them both. In addition Charity cannot fully trust Samuel and his hypnosis, particularly when rumours of his past reach her. This distrust is well written and true to life. Alongside these issues, Samuel's father is killed by a demon which proceeds to stalk Frakingham Hall.
I enjoyed Seared by Scars, it was a worthy follow on to 'Memory Keeper' and well written. My only concerns were niggling. Sometimes the characters seemed to be worrying about trivial matters whilst letting a demon roam free. I also wonder if the obvious answer to the question about Samuel is ever going to be forthcoming. Very enjoyable and I will be reading part three before finally starting the first Freak House trilogy.
****
May 7, 2015
Although I'm loving the supernatural aspect in this, the heroine's personality is driving me crazy--and not in a good way. Though she's understandably reticent toward men in general, she can at least find her backbone when speaking with most men in the book. Her fear of the one man is somewhat understandable, but if she'd stand up to him rather than cower, his reactions to her would be better, not worse. I sure hope she gets over this fear in the final book.
January 29, 2015
Enjoyable read
I like the writing style of this author. The Victorian setting adds layers to the gender and sexual dynamics. The plot goes a little too far off at times and the vacillations of the protagonist can make one's head spin ,but this is the 7th book in this series I have read in a week! It is genre fiction and it is well written.
I like the writing style of this author. The Victorian setting adds layers to the gender and sexual dynamics. The plot goes a little too far off at times and the vacillations of the protagonist can make one's head spin ,but this is the 7th book in this series I have read in a week! It is genre fiction and it is well written.
March 9, 2015
Need to read the third book like now lol !!Awesome awesome story !!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews